Everton and Liverpool meet for the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday evening in a game that never fails to provide talking points and entertainment.

The last three Premier League matches between these two sides have produced a total of 12 goals, so neutrals will be hoping for more of the same.

Everton aren’t enjoying a particularly good season and sit in 12th place, but this game is all about bragging rights, so they’ll be hoping that their current run of form of just one win in seven won’t be too big a problem.

The Toffees haven’t beaten Liverpool since a 2-0 home win in October 2010 and have since failed in their next nine attempts in all competitions.

Everton’s home record: Played 11 – Won 3 – Drawn 5 – Lost 3

Liverpool haven’t managed to replicate the kind of football they were playing last season but they’ve hit a good run of form that has seen them win five of their last six, which will fill them with confidence. A top-four finish is far from being out of reach, so it’s all to play for.

Everton will be without Steven Pienaar (knee) and Leon Osman (ankle), while James McCarthy is expected to return following a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Tim Howard isn’t expected to return as he’s still suffering from a leg injury.

Liverpool’s Lazar Markovic and Lucas Leiva will face late fitness tests ahead of the game. Brad Jones (thigh) and Jon Flanagan (knee) are both still out.

Everton’s last five: L/L/D/D/W

Liverpool’s last five: W/D/W/W/W

Key Stat: Everton have won just one of their last 16 games against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Key Player: Philippe Coutinho – He scored a great goal in Liverpool’s midweek FA Cup replay at Bolton and has been instrumental recently.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Liverpool – Liverpool’s recent run of good form should see them edge it.